NYC Pride March 2021: What You Need To Know

NEW YORK CITY — So it's the final weekend of Pride month. After pausing for the first time in its history in 2020, the annual Pride March and PrideFest are back this year. Though the main event is being held virtually, there are plenty of in-person celebrations planned.

The Grand Marshals leading the march are a star-studded cast, including actor and producer Wilson Cruz, activist and performer Ceyenne Doroshow, Supreme Court of India senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, lawyer Arundhati Katju, activist physician Dr. Demetre Daskalakis and model Aaron Rose Philip.

The event is virtual - there's no publicized route. The event will stream on ABC-7 from noon until 3 p.m. But there will be in-person elements too, in accordance with current CDC guidelines

Around the same time—and with a stern message to NYPD to not come near—is the 3rd Annual Queer Liberation March which leads from Bryant Park from Midtown to Greenwich Village. Unaffiliated with the official Pride March, and formed specifically because organizers felt that the March had become too corporate, this event will be live and in-person. Meet at Bryant Park (41st and 6th Avenue) at 2:30 p.m. with the parade starting at 3 p.m. Wearing a mask is encouraged.

Here's what you need to know about NYC's Pride March:

When is it? Sunday, June 27 from noon to 3 p.m.

Where is it? What's the route? Remember, this march is virtual and you're encouraged to watch online.

Where can I watch the march?

To control the amount of people at the march, Heritage of Pride organizers are requesting people to watch from the safety of their homes or from watch parties. You can watch the broadcast on ABC7NY.com and ABC7 New York’s Connected TV Apps on streaming platforms Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

Following the broadcast, a virtual experience of the March will begin online across streaming platforms. The virtual program will feature groups and organizations that would typically take to the streets for the annual NYC Pride March. Each segment will highlight one of this year’s five Grand Marshals. The show will stream on NYC Pride’s Facebook and Youtube starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Is there a watch party?

Yes, there absolutely is! You can join NYC Pride's official watch party at The Greens from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Greens is hosting this year’s Official Watch Party on The Rooftop at Pier 17. The digital programming will include a live set by DJ Joe Gauthreaux and a special appearance from drag queen Nicky Doll as they “Dance Through the Decades”.

Will there be a festival?

You better believe it. PrideFest in Greenwich Village is on! From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the 27th annual street fair on 4th Avenue between 9th and 13th Streets, offers exhibitors, entertainers, food and activities bringing together community members, sponsors, public officials and local business owners. And yes, it's still 100% free! Due to Covid, Heritage of Pride will have safety and health measures in place. You can also get vaccinated at two different locations!

You can also participate virtually through MarketFest, NYC Pride's free virtual Vendor Directory focused on amplifying LGBTQIA+ small businesses. MarketFest was launched in Fall 2020 as an alternative to an in-person PrideFest experience.

What other events are happening?

Check out Patch's Guide. Gay City News has a couple of lists here and also here.